Apparently her mother overheard, because she came in after Rose had said this. By this time, Rose had regained her composure, and looked her mom in the eyes, her cheek still faintly red. I could tell my dad felt uncomfortable from the tension in the room, and he left after about thirty seconds of silence.
“Gonna go to the bathroom.” He said, excusing himself.

I looked at Rose, her expression indifferent as she continued to stare at her mother. Finally, her mom spoke.
“Rose? I… I’m sorry for hitting you like that.. I didn’t mean to overreact…”
She glanced at me for a second, and I felt as though she were judging me. Rose then went forward, hugging her mother.
“It’s ok, mom…”
After a while of hugging, they parted, and her mom looked at me again.
“So, you’re Tyler, I assume?”
I nodded, giving a half smile.
“You didn’t get banged up by that taxi too badly, did you?”
I chuckled.
“Well… I’m still breathing.”
She nodded, truning to Rose.
“So, how do you know Tyler?”